Landslide Victory: Rwanda’s President Kagame Secures 4th Term

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has secured a record fourth term in the presidential election, according to unofficial results announced on Tuesday. Kagame, representing the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), received 7,099,810 votes, which equates to 99.15% of the total 9,071,157 votes cast.

Chrysologue Karangwa, President of the Electoral Commission of Rwanda, declared Kagame the winner, with his closest rival, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party, garnering 38,301 votes (0.53%), and Phillipe Mpayimana receiving 22,753 votes (0.32%).

This election marks Rwanda’s fourth since the 1994 genocide, with citizens voting for both the presidential and parliamentary seats. The counting of parliamentary votes is still underway, with over 500 candidates competing for 80 seats in the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of parliament.

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Kagame, 66, has been the leader of the country since the end of the 1994 genocide and president since 2000. He won the 2017 election with more than 98% of the vote. His latest campaign focused on promises of inclusive development, security, and improving citizens’ livelihoods without leaving anyone behind.

Constitutional Amendment and Election Background

Kagame was eligible to run in the current election due to a 2015 constitutional amendment that allowed him to seek three additional terms. While this amendment permitted Kagame a seven-year term in 2017, it also reduced presidential terms to five years starting in 2024.

Final results of the election are expected by July 27, although they could be announced sooner. The high voter turnout, with 98% of the more than 9.5 million eligible voters participating, underscores Kagame’s dominant position in Rwandan politics.

Reaction and Implications

Kagame thanked Rwandans for their trust in an address at his RPF party headquarters. “These are not just figures, even if it was 100%, these are not just numbers. [They] show the trust, and that is what is most important,” Kagame said.

Despite the overwhelming support for Kagame, rights groups have accused him of curtailing freedoms since taking office. His supporters, however, credit him with presiding over economic growth and helping to end ethnic divisions.

Opposition and Election Conduct

Kagame’s opponents — Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana — collectively received less than 1% of the vote. Two stronger critics were blocked from running for high office, leading to criticisms of the electoral process.

At least three aspirants were disqualified from running, including Diane Rwigara, an outspoken critic of Kagame. The electoral commission maintains that the election was conducted fairly, but the disqualifications have raised concerns about political inclusivity.

Conclusion

President Paul Kagame’s landslide victory in the presidential election underscores his continued dominance in Rwandan politics. As he extends his rule, the focus will be on how his administration addresses the economic growth of Rwanda and it’s place within a wider growing and strengthening Africa.